'Ask
Darlene' is frequently heard in the Sponsored Programs division of
Financial Operations. Darlene Starks , Secretary II, has a reputation
for excellence in doing her work and helping others with theirs. Star
ks was recently honored as a recipient of a 1996 Business and Finance
Distinguished Staff Award. She was nominated by Tom Madden,
accounting supervisor.

Vicki
Merline, office assistant IV in Sponsored Programs, 'not only
demonstrates leadership and cooperation in the various teams she has
served on, but she also provides that on a daily basis to those she
interacts wi th within the work place,' noted Deborah Lindsley in
nominating her for the Business and Finance Distinguished Staff
Award. Merline is in the Business and Finance Diversity Choir and
likes to sing karaoke in her spare time.

Paul
Spradlin, interim associate vice president for business operations,
has 'provided funding for countless projects to improve the physical
accessibility of the campus.'

Susan
Eklund, associate dean for student affairs in the Law School, 'has
displayed a willingness to learn about the needs of students with
disabilities and to advocate on behalf of their needs when
appropriate.'

Michelle Aebersold (photo at right) and Nena Stawicki
(left photo, at right), managers of Clinical Nursing
Services, and Charlene Davies (left photo, at left),
supervisor of Clinical Nursing, 'were instrumental in
arranging to incorporate injured workers and employees with
disabilities into temporary staff assignments as patient
sitters and patient monitors.' They were honored by the
Council for Disability Concerns for their efforts in
accomodating employees and students who need different work
environments to be most effective.

The Council for Disability Concerns has created a certificate of
appreciation to acknowledge University faculty and staff whose
actions have significantly benefited people with disabilities on
campus. Those selected have undertaken exc eptional efforts to
accommodate employees and students with disabilities.